A central command centre has been set up in New Delhi’s Maurya Sheraton by US secret service agents, where US President Barack Obama will be staying along with his wife during his Delhi visit from November 7-9.
The centre, which will utilise the services of more than 100 secret service agents, most of whom have already arrived in India, will be constantly monitoring the movements of Mr Obama and his entourage during their three days of stay in the national capital. The plan is to keep a constant vigil on suspicious movements around the places where Mr Obama is expected to visit and to thwart any nefarious designs meant to disrupt the visit.
“The centre is equipped with latest gadgetry, which includes gadgets with classified technology, for interception of mobile conversations taking place within one kilometre radius of the centre. This device has been installed in The Cadillac limousine, which will accompany Mr Obama in his trips in the national capital,” a top source in Intelligence Bureau said. A fleet of cars will be airlifted from US for Mr Obama and his entourage for their India visit.
The secret agents have also asked Delhi police to install CCTV cameras along the routes and some market places where Mr Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama is expected to visit, “The feed of these cameras will be monitored by secret agents and Delhi police to avoid any untoward incident. The cameras will also be installed at virtually every point in the hotel and also the routes through which the US President is likely to travel during his stay,” the source said.
The Delhi police, meanwhile will be deploying around 20 sniffer dogs around Maurya to trace any explosive devices. “Another 20 sniffers will be utilised to clear out the routes which will be taken by his entourage during the stay,” the sources said. The police has already chalked out a strategic plan for securing the routes which will be taken by Mr Obama during his visit to India.
“The plan of Mr Obama’s visit to Delhi has been finalised and it has also been approved by US administration. An emergency plan in case of any eventuality has also been finalised. We are in constant touch with the US administration,” a senior Delhi police official said.